One sweepstakes parlor reopens

At least one sweepstakes business reopened this week in Davidson County, just a few days after a law banning electronic machines and devices for all games of chance went into effect.

BY NASH DUNNThe Dispatch

At least one sweepstakes business reopened this week in Davidson County, just a few days after a law banning electronic machines and devices for all games of chance went into effect.Double Play Sweepstakes in Lexington reopened over the weekend after originally closing its doors Jan. 2. "The reason we opened is because we have made sure we are in compliance with the judge's ruling, which seems to satisfy all entities of the law," Double Play Owner Phil Giurintano said. "We are waiting on more guidance from state or local officials from the interpretation of that."Many sweepstakes owners in Davidson County and across the state have upgraded their machines with "pre-reveal" software, which give customers the option to "reveal" their prize without even playing a game. Owners, like Giurintano, believe that software brings them within compliance.Last month, the state Supreme Court ruled in two cases in favor of a 2010 law banning sweepstakes machines as a form of gambling. It reversed a decision made by the Court of Appeals, which declared the statute an overbroad restriction on protected speech and struck it down as unconstitutional.The N.C. Attorney General's office advised local law enforcement agencies to wait until Jan. 3 to enforce the law, when the Supreme Court issued its mandate back to the Court of Appeals.The Davidson County Sheriff's Office issued warnings to several sweepstakes businesses located throughout the county areas. The warning advised business owners of the new law, adding that it is subject to enforcement.Officials with the Lexington and Thomasville police departments are working with District Attorney Garry Frank to discuss how to best enforce the law. Frank has said there will be some reasonable effort to work with business owners since the issue has been so confusing over the years."We are constantly in coordination with our law enforcement representatives to make sure we are in compliance," Giurintano said. "I can't thank our police department enough for keeping us in the loop."Many people compare sweepstakes to the Monopoly game at McDonald's, where customers who purchase a beverage or certain food can earn game pieces that could result in a prize.Lawmakers tried for more than 10 years to eliminate video gambling and sweepstakes machines, arguing that they can't be regulated, are addictive to players who lose hard-earned money and lead to crime and family strife. Some opponents, however, have argued that regulated parlors can lead to a boost in the economy.Sweepstakes players like John, a gamer at Welcome Business Center who refused to give his last name, said the law should not exist."I just like coming in here and talking to people and cutting up with people," John said last week. "It's a sense of community. Even if you're not playing, you can sit in here and drink a cup of coffee and socialize." John added, "What's the different between this and the Powerball?"Nash Dunn can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227, or at nash.dunn@the-dispatch.com.